Chase Sapphire Preferred Cardholder Action Guide

New Chase Sapphire Preferred® Cardholders are advised to take immediate actions to maximize rewards and benefits. The card, a long-standing favorite for earning transferable points on travel, dining, and groceries, offers several key advantages that can be activated shortly after receipt. These steps are designed to enhance point accumulation, leverage valuable perks, and prevent the oversight of underutilized benefits.

One primary recommendation is to designate the Chase Sapphire Preferred as the default card for all travel purchases. This includes a specific earning rate of 3 points per dollar spent on vacation homes booked through major platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com, and Vacasa. Furthermore, the card provides a minimum of 2 points per dollar on all other travel-related expenses. Chase's definition of travel is expansive, encompassing airlines, hotels, timeshares, car rentals, cruises, travel agencies, campgrounds, and even daily transportation like buses, tolls, and parking. This broad classification ensures that a wide array of spending qualifies for elevated rewards. The card also includes built-in travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage reimbursement, which are crucial for frequent travelers.

Cardholders should also ensure their new card is set as the default payment method for any recurring subscriptions that fall under the travel category, like toll passes or monthly parking fees. This ensures continuous earning of rewards and utilization of benefits. For rental car bookings, setting the Sapphire Preferred as the default payment method activates its primary rental car coverage, a significant perk that can save money and hassle. Additionally, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders are eligible for special benefits with Lyft, which are valid through September 30, 2027. Adding the card to a Lyft account is a simple step to access these exclusive offers.

Another critical step involves activating the statement credit offered for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus. These programs expedite airport security and customs processes, and the statement credit effectively covers the application fee for one of these trusted traveler programs. This benefit is typically offered every four years and represents a substantial saving for individuals who travel internationally or frequently use domestic airports. By taking these proactive measures, new Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can immediately begin to realize the full value of their card, optimizing their spending for greater rewards and enjoying enhanced travel conveniences.